For(u)m returns with its third Subcontractor Expo, bringing focus to developing a localized supply chain in urban development.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASECONTACT: Erica Fetherston, Local First Arizona[email protected], 480-688-7852

For(u)m returns with its third Subcontractor Expo, bringing focus to developing a localized supply chain in urban development.

Stakeholders are brought together to connect on future development projects

Phoenix, Arizona (July 12, 2018) - On Thursday, September 20, 2018, Local First Arizona’s For(u)m program will host the Fall Subcontractor Expo. The event will be held at Western Window Systems, which is located at 2200 East Riverview Drive, Phoenix, AZ 85034. The event is held from 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM.

The Subcontractor Expo is presented by For(u)m, Local First Arizona’s membership-based program committed to furthering diverse and thoughtful development through the use of infill, adaptive reuse, preservation, and redevelopment. Local subcontractors such as carpenters, steelworkers, glass workers, engineers, and designers will showcase their exemplary crafts and skill sets at the event. In brief, the expo-style gathering creates a unique opportunity for architects and developers to connect with local subcontractors and spark future collaborative efforts to create aesthetically pleasing and functional creative projects.

This will be For(u)m’s third subcontractor expo since its launch in 2016. For(u)m is a hub for development professionals who care about urban infill projects and ensuring residents, city governments, and business stakeholders are part of the conversation when new projects launch. An idea of creating a “forum” for critical conversations regarding our built environment and its “form” gave birth the name For(u)m.

“The For(u)m Subcontractor Expo was created to fill a need in the development community to find qualified tradesmen and subcontractors for various projects,” said Brooke Nisenbaum, Community Planning Manager for Local First Arizona. “The Expo allows developers, architects, and designers and meet face to face with subcontractors of all types to build relationships and identify opportunities, creating a more robust and complete supply chain for the development industry.”

Over 50 attendees were brought together at each of the first two expos to view works by dozens of subcontractors laid out in an array to share their unique crafts, and what they bring to development projects. The attendees included developers, woodworkers, architects, real estate brokers, bankers, home staging, and general contractors.

“I'm a designer and developer type, so I am always looking for the best subcontractors and the highest caliber I can afford,” said Joel Contreras of Joel Contreras Design. “I’ve enjoyed coming to past Subcontractor Expos because I can get business cards and have discussions with the tradesmen right there, and I might leave and give a few an opportunity to work on a future project.”

The Fall Subcontractor Expo is made possible with the support of Western Windows Systems. Besides the expo, For(u)m host various events that strive to create promote sustainable and thoughtful development. Further details on upcoming For(u)m initiatives and events can be found at https://www.localfirstaz.com/forum/.

About Local First Arizona

Founded in 2003 by Executive Director Kimber Lanning, Local First Arizona (LFA) is a community and economic development organization working to strengthen local economies. LFA educates consumers about the interconnectedness of the economy, trains small businesses to be more effective and more competitive, helps larger Arizona businesses and institutions tell their story as champions of Arizona, and creates programs and events that make it fun and easy to discover local businesses and buy local. Visit www.localfirstaz.com for more information and a directory of more than 3,000 locally owned businesses.